Hamtaro

The cute and cuddly pet of 10-year-old Laura, Hamtaro is a small hamster with a big sense of adventure! Join Hamtaro and the adorable rodent rascals who captured the hearts of millions of children the world over.

Hamtaro (2000-2006) is a Japanese animated kodomo series created for TV Tokyo, produced by TMS Entertainment. Its title character is Hamtaro, a small hamster belonging to ten-year-old Laura, whose everyday life becomes a stage for big adventures among his rodent friends. The main ensemble includes Taisho-kun, Ribon-chan, Koshi-kun and Kaburu-kun, voiced by Kurumi Mamiya, Kentaro Ito, Kazusa Murai, Rikako Aikawa and Ai Uchikawa. The engine of the series is simple and gentle: a group of pets sneaks out of their cages at night, meets new friends, and tackles small problems with loyalty and cheer. Each episode is a self-contained slice of life built around playful everyday incidents, with the focus on friendship and imagination. The single season runs 296 episodes of about twenty minutes each, a long-running standalone format with no overarching plot. Set in a contemporary Japanese neighborhood, it carries a bright, cozy, kawaii tone that suits young viewers. Fans of Pokémon, Bluey and Kirby: Right Back at Ya! will find similar warmth and whimsy in its playful creature community.

Audiences broadly regard Hamtaro as a charming, gentle children's series with an affectionate fan base, though its ratings are modest.

• Pokémongentle kodomo animation, small animal community, cozy slice of life adventures
• Blueyanimal companions, friendship focused, whimsical episodic adventures for children
• Kirby: Right Back at Ya!kawaii cute creature ensemble, lighthearted kids adventure tone

Release Date

2000-07-07

Episode runtime

20 min

Rating

6.4 / 10 (213)

What is Hamtaro about?

A small hamster and his rodent friends turn everyday life into big adventures for a ten-year-old's pet.

What is Hamtaro like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Hamtaro as measured, its intensity as subtle and its storytelling as simple.

Is Hamtaro violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Hamtaro.

What did critics think of Hamtaro?

Audiences broadly regard Hamtaro as a charming, gentle children's series with an affectionate fan base, though its ratings are modest.

Which shows are like Hamtaro?

Shows with a similar feel include Pokémon, Bluey, and Kirby: Right Back at Ya!.

How long is Hamtaro?

Hamtaro: 1 season, 296 episodes.

Is Hamtaro still running?

No, Hamtaro has ended.